ESPN insider: Losing coach in Cardinals, Jets game could lose job
Originally published: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:37 pm
The news, however, might be gloomier for the losing team.
Since coming to the Valley in 2007, Ken Whisenhunt has led the Cardinals to four seasons with a .500 record or better, two NFC West Division titles and a Super Bowl Appearance back in February 2009.
However, Arizona is on the verge of missing the postseason for the third consecutive year, and has already found itself on the wrong side of history in 2012 by becoming the first NFL team to start a season 4-0 only to go on a subsequent seven-game losing streak.
For the Jets, the on-field performance has been only part of the problem for Rex Ryan. Ryan took New York to consecutive AFC Championship games during his first two years in the Big Apple, but has since watched his team go a combined 12-15 over the past two seasons.
In addition to his team's recent mediocre record, Ryan has had to deal with several locker room incidents over the past few seasons, including a New York Daily News' article earlier this year which quoted unnamed players bashing backup quarterback Tim Tebow.
Needless to say a loss Sunday inevitably makes the hot seat that much hotter for Whisenhunt or Ryan.
While ESPN NFL insider John Clayton told Arizona Sports 620's Doug & Wolf Thursday that he hopes both will be back in 2013 with their respective teams based on prior merit, he's not so sure wishful thinking will make it so for Sunday's losing coach.
"I know that both coaches could put themselves in a position where they wouldn't be there next season," Clayton said. "I know Rex's position is that he's telling his coaches that basically 'we better pick it up or we aren't going to be here.'"
Although Clayton suggested that New York may lean towards making changes in the management department rather than at the head coach position, the same may not be true in Arizona.
"You look at Ken Whisenhunt and you know how good of a coach he is," said Clayton. "He's a fantastic coach, but somebody might have to take the fall for this season. And if somebody does it'll probably end up being him. Which would be a shame."
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Listen: John Clayton, NFL Writer and ESPN Reporter John Clayton joins Doug and Wolf to talk about this week in the NFL. Does John believe Ray Horton will get Head coaching considerations? John does not believe that Alex Smith can bring the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Does this mean Colin Kaepernick can lead the Niners to the "promise land"? And, John tells us why Jason Babin was cut by the Eagles. Plus, is Ben Roethlisberger going to be available this Sunday?
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Both Whisenhunt and Ryan would likely garner a ton of interest from teams around the league this offseason if either were to be relieved of their duties, but talk of firings could be put on hold with a much-needed victory in Sunday's non-conference matchup.
"It's a shaky situation," said Clayton. "You don't want to be the coach who loses this game in other words."
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- Calais Campbell, AZ Cardinals defensive end - Monday May 6Big #93 talks to the guys about the new coaching staff and becoming more of a leader
- Calais Campbell, Cardinals DE - Friday May 3Campbell talks about his inaugural charity golf tournament debuting this weekend. Also, he gives his
- Andre Ellington, Cardinals RB - Thursday May 2Arizona's 6th round pick joins the show to reminisce on his college career and talk about what he br
- Earl Watford, Cardinals 4th Round Selection - Wednesday May 1Earl Watford talked to Doug & Wolf about his strengths and being drafted out of a small school.





































